Buildingthe perfect pond

A be

ginn

er’s

gui

de t

o w

ater

gar

deni

ng

Beautifully simple water gardeningwww.lagunaponds.com

Water gardening is increasingly becoming a popular hobby.And why not? Water gardens add a unique dimension to

homes and even with limited space, you can design a waterfeature that brings the beauty of nature into your backyard.Thanks to pond equipment such as Laguna pumps, filters,

and liners, you can easily create your own backyard aquatic oasis. This guide will show you how.

Planning ahead

Planning ahead . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

The right pond size . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

Pond style . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

Building a pond with a pre-formed pond . . . . . . . . . 6-7

Building a pond with a pond liner . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-9

Adding a waterfall . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

Choosing a pond pump . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11-12

Filtration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13

Choosing a filter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14-15

Installing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16

Adding plants . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17

Adding fish . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18

Maintaining clear water . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19

Helpful tips . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20

3

NOTE OF CAUTION: Children are drawn to water. Take the necessary stepsto ensure that your pond is safe. Always monitor young children nearponds or open water of any kind.

Building the Perfect Pond The key to a beautiful pond is planning ahead. Before picking up your tapemeasure and shovel, take the time to plan out your pond. This will not only prevent mistakes, but it will also save time and money.

Take a good look at the layout of your land. Selecting the right site for your watergarden is essential. Consider the following guidelines that will help you choosethe best site for your water garden.

A Choose a location that receives a minimum of 6 hours of sunlight per day.Most aquatic plants flourish in sunlight. However, do not choose an area thatgets direct sunlight all day, as this could cause the pond to overheat and makeit more difficult to maintain.

B Find a spot away from overhanging trees, as falling leaves that may pollutethe pond water will decompose and cause problems. In addition, roots willalso hamper digging and potentially change the shape of your pond or cause damage to pre-formed ponds.

C If possible, use natural slopes in your yard to create waterfalls and other landscape features.

D Choose a level area in an open location, preferably where it can be seen andenjoyed from the house or patio.

E Choose a location near a water source. Small ponds can easily lose 1 inch perday due to evaporation. You’ll need to top up pond water on a regular basis.

F Choose an area close to an electrical source with at least 2 G.F.I. rated electrical outlets. However, four outlets are preferable. This would allow you toconnect two pumps and a UV Sterilizer while still having one outlet left forother useful equipment such as pond lighting or additional pumps for spitters.

Pond style

54

The right pond size

Water gardens come in all sorts of styles and sizes. Which one is rightfor you?

1 to 5 Gallon Ponds – offer a carefree way to enjoy small waterplants up close.

20 to 40 Gallon Ponds – get your feet wet. Provide a serene area foryou to enjoy small to medium sized pond plants. You can also have asmall pump and maybe even a goldfish. Even better – they’re easy to maintain.

50 to 500 Gallon Ponds – a great place to start, not a big commitment. However, once you discover your enthusiasm for pondkeeping, it won’t be long before you’re making plans to expand.

500 to 3000 Gallon Ponds – this size will allow you to keep fish and alarge variety of pond plants. Consider location, filtration and the numberof plants and fish that you want to keep when planning your pond.

3,000 Gallon Ponds and over - many people find water gardeningand fish keeping to be the hobby of their dreams and will invest the timeand money to get the maximum enjoyment out of their water garden.With water gardening the only limit is your imagination.

Once you know the size of your pond and selected your location, you need todecide on either using a pre-formed or liner-type pond.

There are several advantages to using a pre-formed pond. They take a lot of theguesswork out of designing your water garden. They are made of heavy-duty,rigid polyethylene, are designed to withstand extreme conditions such as hotsummers and frigid winters, and they come in a variety of shapes and sizes. Thedisadvantage is that you are limited to the pre-formed shape.

A pond liner offers many advantages when designing your water garden. The softrubber liner is highly flexible and durable, which make them ideal for custominstallations. However, be careful what you buy. Some liners are not intended forpond use and can contain oils and fungicides that are harmful to fish and plants.Laguna 45-mil Durashield Pond Liners are fish-friendly and durable - they’re guaranteed for 20 years!

You will also have to decide whether you want a waterfall or a fountain or perhaps both. Remember, a pond is a combination of tranquil sounds,movement and color. By creating a pond, you are bringing the beauty of natureinto your garden. The sensory dimension that your pond will add will amaze and delight you.

Building a pond with a pre-formed pond

76

Building a pond with a pre-formed pond

Laguna pre-formed ponds are available in a wide variety of shapes, sizesand depths. Many come with pre-contoured shelves and steps. Choose astyle that best suits your garden and selected location. Another point toconsider when selecting your pre-formed pond is water depth. If youwish to winter your fish in a harsh climate you will need to select a pondwith a depth of at least 4 feet therefore a liner may be more suitable.

Installing a pre-formed pond:

1 Place the pond in position and carefully mark out its shape with pegs(ill.1). DO NOT place the pre-formed pond upside down to outline theshape, or your hole will not match the shape of the form. Position thepond right side up in the exact place you want it and use it as a guideor template while digging around the stakes. Make your outline 4 – 6inches larger than the pond itself.

2 Check the first level and start digging down to the shelves.

3 Reposition the pond, mark out the inner deeper section and continuedigging out to the bottom. Be sure that the hole is slightly deeperthan the actual depth of the preformed pond and verify that the bottom is level. Remove any stones or roots that may pierce the pre-formed pond when the weight of the water is added.

4 Once you are satisfied that the hole is the proper size, depth and orientation, add about 2 inches of sand to the base level and shelves (ill.4).This will protect the liner from damage due to exposed roots or rocks.

5 Insert the pre-formed pond and make a final check to make sure it is level(ill.5). Back-fill any spaces left from digging with sand.

6 Now you are ready to add water. The weight of the water as it is addedwill help the pre- formed pond settle into place.

DURASHIELDPRE-FORMEDPONDS

WATER BASINPT-786

SPILLWAYPT-789

SIMCOEPT-790

CHAMPLAINPT-791

TAHOEPT-792

HUDSONPT-793

HURONPT-794

ERIEPT-797

SUPERIORPT-798

DIMENSIONS VOLUME THICKNESS

26” dia x 12”66 cm dia x 30.5 cm

54” x 30” x 17”137 cm x 76 cm x 43 cm

39” x 28” x 15”99 cm x 71 cm x 38 cm

59” x 39” x 18”150 cm x 99 cm x 46 cm

71” x 50” x 18”180 cm x 127 cm x 46 cm

90” x 58” x 18”229 cm x 147 cm x 46 cm

58” x 94” x 18”147 cm x 239 cm x 46 cm

60” x 47” x 24”152 cm x 119 cm x 61 cm

70” x 55” x 24”178 cm x 140 cm x 61 cm

150 mm

187 mm

187 mm

150 mm

150 mm

150 mm

150 mm

150 mm

150 mm

18 U.S. GAL(68 L)

50 U.S. GAL(189 L)

32 U.S. GAL(122 L)

72 U.S. GAL(272 L)

150 U.S. GAL(568 L)

192 U.S. GAL(727 L)

264 U.S. GAL(1000 L)

144 U.S. GAL(545 L)

180 U.S. GAL(681 L)

1 2 3

54

Building a pond with a pond liner

98

Building a pond with a pond liner

For those who want to design an original pond, Laguna 45 mil EPDM PondLiners allow you to create a unique and natural looking water garden.Before you go out and buy a liner, you will need to calculate the correct size.Use the following formula or the calculators found at www.lagunaponds.comto help calculate the size of liner you will need.

First, determine the maximum length, width and depth of your pond.

Then, double the depth and add it to the values of the length and width.Once you have this measurement add 2 feet for overlapping the pondedge. This will give you the correct size that you will require.

Here’s an example:If you’re building a pond that’s 6 ft wide x 8 ft long x 2 ft deep,do the following calculations:

2 feet in depth x 2 = 4 feet6 feet in width + 4 feet = 10 feet8 feet in length + 4 feet = 12 feet

Now calculate 10 feet + 2 feet = 12 feet for the total width and 12 feet + 2feet = 14 feet for the total length. You will need a liner that is 12 x 14 feet.

1 Once you have decided on your design, outline the shapethat you want to create using a rope or hose. Mark thedepth of shelves for planting.

2 Dig out the hole, making sure to create internal shelvesfor planting. Use a plank and level to ensure that thehole is level. Check for any sharp stones or tree rootsthat may puncture or damage the liner.

3 Add a layer of sand or geo-textile. This will protect the actual liner fromdamage due to exposed roots or rocks.

4 Now it is time to lay in the liner. Let it warm in the sun briefly to make itmore flexible and easy to handle. (Do this on a driveway, never on grassas the heat will quickly damage grass).

5 Add some water so that the liner starts to settle into place. It is impossible to eliminate all wrinkles so let the weight of the water formthe natural flow of the liner and gently pull the liner as the pond fills trying to keep the wrinkles to a minimum.

6 Lay patio stones or slate around the perimeter of thepond. This will hold the liner in place and create a decorative touch. Use mortar or foam to keep these decorative pieces in place.

7 Keep filling the pond with water. The liner will stretch and mould itselfto the shape of the pond and adjust the weight as the liner settles. Becareful when filling the pond with water. If the liner is allowed to contort and stretch too much it may be damaged.

8 Once the pond is full, trim off any excess liner fromaround the edge of the paving slabs, leaving an overlapof at least 6”. Make sure that the trimmed liner is abovethe desired water level.

TIP – After placing all rocks and edging, empty the water from the pondas it will be dirty from the mortar and rock debris. The simplest way to dothis is with your pond’s filter pump. Ensure that the pump outlet hose is agood distance away from the pond as the mortar may discolor your lawnfor several weeks.

Choosing a pond pump

1110

Adding a waterfall

Whether you have a pre-formed or liner pond, the following steps arecommon to both.

If you decided to create a simple pond all you need to do is add water,decorate and enjoy your creation. However, if you’ve decided to do a littlemore planning and work, you can enhance the beauty of your water garden by adding a waterfall. A waterfall is very beneficial as it will provide needed oxygen while adding the soothing sound of running water.

Whether pre-formed or a liner and natural rocks, your waterfall will needto be carefully checked for water leaks and steady flow in order to preventwater loss or stagnant areas. Ensure that the base of your waterfall is solid.Fill any gaps or crevices with sand or soil and tamp into place. Make surethat the upper levels overlap the main pond or liner to assure a smoothflow of water. Although the waterfall may look artificial to start, it willquickly become more natural looking as your pond ages and matures.Adding live plants will also make the waterfall look more natural.

As much as possible, conceal the hose from your water pump. To achievethis you can use rocks, small stones, mulch and plants.

Planning ahead will help you determine if you want flowers or ornamentalshrubs planted around or alongside your waterfall. The addition of Lagunalighting and ornaments can also make a striking visual effect of your pond.

Once you have achieved the waterfall look you want, it is time to add the water.

The water may appear cloudy or dirty depending on your type of installation. Don’t worry about this. As soon as you have your water accessories installed, it will clear up quickly. Now the fun begins, tweekingand tuning the waterfall for sound and flow.

Any water garden will benefit from the use of a pump. Water must flowconstantly for effective filtration to take place. Filtration is critical in keeping pond water healthy, clean and clear. Fish and plant life will thrive ina well-circulated pond. Without water circulation and filtration your pondcould suffer from a lack of oxygen and, consequently, poor water quality.

Before buying your pump, you must first determine how much work you areasking it to do. Will it just circulate water or will it pump water through a U.V.sterilizer, waterfall, fountains, ornaments, and filter. Answering these questionswill help determine the size of your pump. The more features you add, the morework you are asking your pump to do, and therefore, the more powerful it hasto be. Also, it is a good idea to buy a pump with a capacity slightly greater thanyour initial needs, especially since you may want to add to your system later.

To keep ponds healthy, a general rule of thumb is that pond water shouldbe circulated at least once every two hours. A 500-gallon pond, for example,requires a pump capable of generating a minimum flow of 250 gallons perhour. To figure out the volume of water your pond will need to circulate usethe following calculation. Please note that you should state measurementsin feet for these calculations.

For a square or rectangular pond:Length x Width x Average Depth x 7.5 = Total gallons

For a round pond: 0.785 x (Top diameter x Bottom diameter x Depth) x 7.5 = Total gallons.

Another important factor in choosing the right pump for your pond is“Head Height”.

Fountains and waterfalls reduce flow (gallons per hour) available for circulation. This flow reduction depends on the total head height, which isthe distance from the pond surface to the top of the fountainhead, plus thedistance from the water surface to the top of the waterfall.

Example:A 500 U.S. gallon pond, with a 1’ fountain head and a 2’ waterfall (totalhead height of 3’) requires a pump capable of producing a minimum 250GPH (U.S.) flow at a 3’ head height.

Two other factors to consider before buying a pump is the width of yourwaterfall and the length of hosing used to connect the pump to equip-ment. You need an additional 75 to 100 GPH in flow rate for every inch inwidth of your waterfall. In addition, you must calculate one foot of headheight for every ten feet of hosing used in the entire system.

Filtration

1312

Choosing a pond pump

It is always a good idea to buy a larger pumpthan you require initially, as it will allow you toadd additional equipment or more flow to thewaterfall if the need arises.

After you’ve calculated:A) The total gallons of water in your pondB) The total head height of fountains and

waterfallC) The width of your waterfallD) The total length of hosing used

Refer to the LAGUNA POWERJET andMAXFLO Pump Performance Charts todetermine which model you need. Lagunahas a wide variety of pumps to meet allyour water garden needs.

Your pump must be submerged in your pond.The intake should be positioned away fromany potential flow obstructions such as plantsor a side wall.

When installing a pump it is important to read and follow all instructions.

HEA

D H

EIG

HT

FLO

W R

ATE

/GPH

(U

.S.)

GPH (U.S.)

FOUNTAINPUMP KIT

POWERJET

14'-9"MAXIMUM

HEAD HEIGHT

12'-2" MAXIMUM

HEAD HEIGHT

12'-2" MAXIMUM

HEAD HEIGHT

8'-6"MAXIMUM

HEAD HEIGHT

6'-4"MAXIMUM

HEAD HEIGHT

5'-10" MAXIMUM

HEAD HEIGHT

5'-7"MAXIMUM

HEAD HEIGHT

MAXIMUMHEAD

HEIGHT

4'-3"MAXIMUM

HEAD HEIGHT

2'-7"MAXIMUM

HEAD HEIGHT

100 200 400 600 900 1300 1500 2000 2400 2900

PT-320 PT-322 PT-324 PT-326 PT-328 PT-330 PT-332 PT-334 PT-336 PT-338

100 200 400 600 900 1300

13'-5"MAXIMUM

HEAD HEIGHT

1500ELECTRONIC

2000ELECTRONIC

2400ELECTRONIC

2900ELECTRONIC

14’

13’

12’

11’

10’

9’

8’

7’

6‘

5’

4‘

3’

2‘

1’

793

1141

1347

1585

1744

1854

1981

2140

2251

2409

2504

2631

2747

2800

12’

11’

10’

9’

8’

7’

6'

5’

4’

3’

2’

1’

132

660

924

1135

1320

1479

1664

1796

1954

2060

2193

2298

12’

11’

10’

9’

8’

7’

6’

5’

4’

3’

2’

1’

105

528

766

924

1083

1268

1373

1479

1585

1690

1796

1876

8’

7’

6’

5’

4’

3’

2’

1’

105

317

488

660

792

951

1083

1207

6’

5’

4’

3’

2’

1’

92

280

422

565

686

803

5’

4’

3’

2’

1’

137

254

351

433

515

5’

4’

3’

2’

1’

63

151

222

280

335

4’

3’

2’

1’

21

82

132

177

2’

1’

48

79

13’

12’

11’

10’

9’

8’

7’

6’

5’

4’

3’

2’

1’

290

449

607

700

845

951

1056

1162

1215

1320

1386

1479

1532

HEA

D H

EIG

HT

FLO

W R

ATE

/GPH

(U

.S.)

GPH (U.S.)

WATERFALL & FILTER PUMP

MAX-FLO

14’-9”MAXIMUM

HEAD HEIGHT

12’-2” MAXIMUM

HEAD HEIGHT

12’-2”MAXIMUM

HEAD HEIGHT

13’-5”MAXIMUM

HEAD HEIGHT

6’-4”MAXIMUM

HEAD HEIGHT

5’-10”MAXIMUM

HEAD HEIGHT

MAXIMUMHEAD

HEIGHT

900 1500 2000 2400 2900

PT-342 PT-344 PT-346 PT-348 PT-350

900 1500ELECTRONIC

2000ELECTRONIC

2400ELECTRONIC

2900ELECTRONIC

600

PT-340

600

14’

13’

12’

11’

10’

9’

8’

7’

6’

5’

4’

3’

2’

1’

793

1141

1347

1585

1744

1854

1981

2140

2251

2409

2504

2631

2747

2800

12’

11’

10’

9’

8’

7’

6’

5’

4’

3’

2’

1’

132

660

924

1135

1320

1479

1664

1796

1954

2060

2193

2298

12’

11’

10’

9’

8’

7’

6’

5’

4’

3’

2’

1’

105

528

766

924

1083

1268

1373

1479

1585

1690

1796

1876

13’

12’

11’

10’

9’

8’

7’

6’

5’

4’

3’

2’

1’

290

449

607

700

845

951

1056

1162

1215

1320

1386

1479

1532

6’

5’

4’

3’

2’

1’

92

280

422

565

686

803

5’

4’

3’

2’

1’

137

254

351

433

515

All ponds will benefit from the addition of a filtration system. Filters keepponds clean, clear and healthy. Without a filter, water quality can suffer.Impurities could accumulate and create a toxic and cloudy environment.

Filters perform three filtration functions: mechanical, biological and chemical.

Mechanical filtration refers to the following process: as dirty water flowsthrough filter foam or other mechanical media it traps dirt and debris.Filtered water returns to the pond free of debris. A filter foam must be as fineas the debris it is removing.

Biological filtration refers to the process of providing an area where beneficialbacteria can grow and multiply. This is important to biologically break downharmful toxins such as ammonia from fish waste and respiration. An idealmedia to support large colonies of beneficial bacteria is Laguna Bio-Max.Bio-Max is pre-packed with a mesh bag for convenient placement and can beadded to almost any filter.

Once biological toxins are broken down, chemical filter media and pondplants can help to control the resulting compounds.

Chemical filtration refers to the process of controlling and changing specific water conditions. This does not mean that the media is a chemical.Products such as Laguna Phos-X will trap phosphate, nitrite and nitrate.Natural products can be considered chemical media.

Choosing a filter

1514

Choosing a filter

Laguna offers a wide range of filters to suit your pond needs. Rememberyou can never have too much filtration.

PowerFlo Internal Filters:Submersed in the pond, internal filters provide pre-filtration for all pondpumps and reduce the frequency of maintenance. Although these underwater filters are ideally suited for ponds up to 800 gallons, expansionchambers for the PowerFlo Underwater Filter are available separately.

PowerFlo Mechanical Underwater Filter removes dirt and floatingdebris to improve water quality and clarity. It also protects the pond pumpfrom clogging and thus reduces maintenance. It can be positioned near thepond’s edge, opposite the waterfall (if present), for quick access and easy maintenance.

PowerFlo Max Biological Underwater Filter is ideal for use in pondsthat contain fish. The filter provides the same powerful mechanical filtration as the PowerFlo, plus it features biological filtration with Laguna’spatented Bio-Max filter material. The efficient ceramic media provides ahuge surface area for beneficial bacteria to thrive. This media will supportthe decomposition of ammonia and nitrite to less harmful nitrate, whichcan be controlled by aquatic plants and water changes.

PowerFlo UnderWater Round Filter is equipped with a large 19”surface that allows water to flow through easily while trapping suspendeddebris. The filter comes complete with mechanical, chemical and biologicalfilter media. This filter can be connected to all Laguna Pumps. In addition, itcan provide a stable base for fountainheads as well as two pond lights.It also serves as a pre-filter, preventing the pump from clogging & reducingpump maintenance.

Its low-profile design is perfect for ponds as shallow as 5 inches (18 cm).Small or medium sized pebbles can also be placed on top of the filter providing additional mechanical and biological filtration.

Pressure-Flo Filters:

Laguna Pressure-Flo Filters are high performance water filtering sys-tems that keep pond water clean and healthy. These all-in-one filters pro-vide mechanical, biological* and UV Sterilization and are designed to workin tandem with a solids handling pumps such as Laguna’s Max-Flo.They also feature a revolutionary Backwash-Cleaning System that easilycleans the entire surface of the foam filters without opening the filter. Thispatent-pending system is one of a kind. Backwash cleaning can be doneeasily and comfortably in a few minutes without opening the lid. This fea-

ture ensures that the filters perform at optimal levels for many days andprolongs the time between full maintenance sessions. An easy-view clean-ing indicator signals when it’s time to perform backwash cleaning.

* Pressure-Flo 700 does not have a biological filtration chamber.

PowerFlo External Filters:

The Laguna PowerFlo Skimmer Filter 5000 and PowerFlo Filter Falls 5000 areboth high performance filters that provide the ultimate water managementsolution for large ponds up to 5000 US gallons (18,925 liters). In addition,Laguna Filter Falls can be connected to the Skimmer Filter for extra filteringcapacity for ponds up to 10,000 US gallons (37,850 liters). Each filter has alist of key benefits, including clear and healthy pond water, low maintenanceand of course, a pleasant water garden environment you can be proud of.

Laguna PowerFlo Skimmer Filter features 3 large capacity chambersthat can accommodate special filter pads as well as biological and chemical media. The first chamber is super-sized and designed to collectleaves and other large debris. As water flows through the media chambers itis thoroughly filtered. The result is clean and healthy pond water for fish andplants to thrive in.

Laguna PowerFlo Filter Falls features three large-capacity filter chambers that can accommodate special filter pads as well as biologicaland chemical media. As water flows through the media chambers, it isthoroughly filtered. The result is clean and healthy pond water that allowsfish and plants to thrive.

The Filter Falls unit comes complete with a spillway. The water exits the filter through this 19-inch spillway to create a captivating waterfall.Threaded bulkheads on the spillway allow you to divert water to smallwaterfalls, streams or other filters.

Adding plants

1716

Installing

Installing a fountainA fountain can help aerate pond water and provide soothing water sounds. Itis installed by submerging the pump in the desired area and making sure it islevel and unobstructed. Adjust the water flow for the desired height andfountain head spray.

When installing a fountain, it is important to read and follow all instructions.

Installing a UV SterilizerYou may want to consider the addition of a UV Sterilizer to work in conjunction with your filter to help control green water. UV Sterilizers eliminate green water and create beneficial pond conditions for fish and plants.

When installing a UV Sterilizer, it is important to read and follow all instructions.

Install lightingThe addition of underwater and accessory lighting can make a pond comealive at night. Make sure to plan ahead if you intend to add lighting andhave the extra electrical GFI outlet nearby. Experiment with the direction andcolor of your lighting until the desired look or mood is achieved.

The addition of plants to your pond will complete its natural look. However,care should be taken in the selection and placement of plants in or around yourwater area. There are four categories of pond plants:

Oxygenating PlantsFish and water quality benefit greatly from oxygenating plants. These plants usefish waste as fertilizer and provide oxygen to the water. In addition, they helpmaintain a natural balance for your pond by competing with algae for any nutrients in the water thereby limiting the growth of algae. It should be notedthat plants may not be able to provide all of the oxygen necessary for your pond’slivestock, so help may be needed from a fountain waterfall or aeration kit.

Floating Plants Floating plants, including lily pads, should cover a large percentage of the surface areaof your pond.This will inhibit algae development and provide important shade, whichwill in turn aid plants like water lilies until they mature and have leaves large enoughto take over this role.

Depending on the type of floaters you have, it is important to wait until the riskof frost is over before introducing them to your pond.

Deep Water PlantsThese plants, water lilies for example, provide decoration, flowers and shadeand shelter for fish and other inhabitants of the pond.

Marginal Plants The heart of natural filtration, these plants are placed in planting pots or plantedin a naturalized pond and submerged on pond shelves so that water covers thepots by a only couple of inches. These plants give a natural, soft appearance toyour pond as well as adding colour.

Avoid placing most plants directly in the path of the water flow as this mayinhibit their growth.

TIPLaguna Once a Year Fertilizer Pond Spikes arespecifically designed for potted pond plants.Easy to use and effective, they are inserted intothe soil near plant roots, supplying importantnutrition to aquatic plants for one full year.

For more information on plant care consult the Laguna Pond Planting and CareGuide (S-2120) or visit www.lagunaponds.com.

Warm temperatures, intense sunlight, and the accumulation of organic waste arefactors that can contribute to an unattractive pond. There are a number of prod-ucts available that can help offset the results of these environmental conditions.

One of the best things you can do to control and prevent cloudy water is toensure that your filter is clean and working to capacity. To increase the utilityand productivity of your filter, adding filter media such as LAGUNA PHOS-X willhelp absorb and trap phosphate, nitrite and nitrate. Phosphate and nitrate inparticular, are major nutrients that can lead to undesirable pond conditions.

Other helpful products include:Laguna Barley Straw Pellets: a completely natural product that supports cleanpond conditions and is beneficial to plants.

Laguna Peat Granules for Ponds: a natural product that will help support excellentwater quality. Pond peat produces a natural amber tint that acts as a light filter,which reduces the amount of sunlight penetrating the water surface. In addition,it contains acids that aid in lowering both KH and pH levels.

You may also want to consider the addition of a UV Sterilizer to control greenwater. UV Sterilizers prevent and eliminate green water and create beneficial pondwater conditions for fish and plants.

For a “quick fix”, add a traditional water treatment, such as Laguna Clear Fast.This product’s fast acting formula helps clear cloudy or green water by causingminute particles of organic wasteto clump together. The filter easilytraps the resulting clumps. Inaddition, Laguna Filter Woolshould be used in your filter to help remove debris.

Laguna Phosphate Control is anexcellent preventative measureagainst undesirable pond conditions, as it helps reducephosphates naturally. It also addsbeneficial micro-organisms,improving biological filtration and water quality.

Maintaining clear water

1918

Adding fish

TIPWhen adding fish to your pond, treat the water with Laguna Water Prep. This product makes tap water safe for fish and plants by eliminating harmfulchlorine or chloramine and neutralizing toxic metals. In addition, it coats andprotects fins and scales that could have been damaged when fish are handledor transported.

Now that all the essential components have been installed to sustain ahealthy pond environment it’s time to add your pond fish.

Fish add color, movement and grace to your water garden. However thereare several rules of thumb that should be reviewed before you add your fish.

Limit the initial number of fish you introduce into your pond, as they produce a lot of waste. This waste is potentially toxic to them, better tohave too few than too many. Fish will often reproduce and grow quickly in a pond environment.

Treat them with great care. Any handling or transportation, even introducingthem to your pond, can induce stress.

1 Introduce them to the pond slowly, matching the water temperature byfloating the bag in the pond before release.

2 Additionally, you can add a little pond water into the bag to help themget used to any differences there may be in water quality.

3 After approximately 20 minutes of this gradual introduction process, youmay release your fish into their new home.

Any handling of the fish should be minimal. Use a soft net to handle them.

1 2 3

For more information on fish care consult the Laguna Pond Fish Care Guide (S-2115) or visitwww.lagunaponds.com.

Helpful Tips:1 Always treat pond water before adding live stock.

Chlorine and chloramine in tap water may kill or injurefish. Use Laguna Water Prep for fast and effective dechlorination.

2 Keep sharp objects away from pond liners.

3 Install pumps on bricks or blocks keeping them from thebottom of the pond to minimize clogging.

4 The maximum height of your fountain should not exceedhalf the width of your pond.

5 Allow for 1 inch of fish per square foot of surface area.You can allow 2 inches per square foot with improved filtration from a Laguna Skimmer Filter or Filter Falls.

6 If you are going to keep large Koi, they should be kept inlarge, well filtered ponds. The pond should be at least 3 ft(1 m) deep.

7 Oxygenating plants provide oxygen only during daylight.Fish can suffer stress during warm, still nights unlessextra oxygen is supplied. Water agitation created by asplashing fountain or waterfall is ideal.

8 Although most pumps operate using a normal electricalsupply, the installation should be a permanent one usinga GFI (Ground Fault Interrupter). Always use cables andconnectors designed for outdoor and water garden use.Have your system installed or checked by an electrician.

9 The finishing touches. It’s important to choose the rightfish and plants for your pond. Consult your local pet shopand garden center for advice or find more information atwww.lagunaponds.com.

Distributed by:Canada: Rolf C. Hagen Inc., Montreal, QC H4R 1E8U.S.A.: Rolf C. Hagen (U.S.A.) Corp., Mansfield, MA. 02048

Printed in Canada

www.hagen.com

Visit us at www.lagunaponds.com

S-2110